After a hiatus to celebrate our hundredth anniversary, the Heermance Memorial Library is pleased to reinstate its Warren Reading Room art exhibits.   From August 1st to October 10th,  the works of Luis Macia, a figure and portrait artist, will be on display.  Please join us for the opening reception on Saturday, August 1st from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. 

Macia's paintings, drawings, prints, and pastels are predominately portraits of people engaged in everyday activities.  They reflect brief, spontaneous moments in real life and relish in the 'normal', qualities reminiscent of the Ashcan School of art.  He has an especial interest in depicting the developmentally disabled.

Originally from Queens, New York, Macia attended Art and Design High School.  After graduating, he took some courses at Queens College and the National Academy with the Art Students League.  But it was when serving as a model that he was able to gain access to dozens of artists' studios, learning more techniques, habits, and attitudes than any classroom could have ever taught him.  He particularly credits mentors Irwin Greenberg (known affectionately as 'Greeny') and Max Ginsburg for their guidance and generosity. 

Macia moved to Coxsackie with his family in 2006.  He has become greatly involved in the area's art scene, and has hopes for stronger ties between the many artists and craftspeople in our community, and the public.  The first step to this is through interaction in art shows like this, so stop by and check it out.

 

Here is something to really crow about!  Join us for a presentation on Thursday, August 6th at 7:00 pm entitled Birds of the Hudson.  Local expert Chad Witko will be here to speak about avian species that can be found in the Hudson Valley.  He will discuss common and rare varieties, including both the year-round and seasonal residents of each, and point out key characteristics to help you recognize them.  Learn how to identify by sight and sound the many varieties around us, and find out some prime spots for catching a glimpse or two.  Visit Witko's site for more information on his experience and activities at www.chat-happens.com, and be sure to join us on Thursday.

 

Mango Languages is now available from our home page, www.hml.lib.ny.us. This online language learning system focuses on teaching actual conversation skills. Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with an easy-to-follow interface and simple, clear instructions. Mango Languages currently offers twelve language courses: Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Greek, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, ESL for Polish speakers, ESL for Spanish speakers, and ESL for Brazilian Portuguese speakers. Whether you are looking forward to traveling to a new place, brushing up on some old skills, or getting some practice in before the school year, this is a great way to get started...and all you need is a library card!